Customise your trousseau with the best in 2012’s bridal fashion, as Kavya Kolli decodes this season’s hottest trends for you.
The festive season may be over, but it’s only made way for more festivities with the wedding season right around the corner. And for all the brides-to-be who will be tying the knot soon, this is a very crucial time. These are the days of endless trials in search of the perfect wedding outfits.
Most brides have an idea of the kind of look they see themselves in. This can be both advantageous or challenging. If you are able to find an outfit that fits the bill, then you’re lucky. But if not, it helps to be open to other options. There are lots of designs that you may be reluctant to try at first, but once you do, you’ll be surprised at how great they look. A tip: Try on the outfits before taking a call.
To make things a little easier, we’ve handpicked the trendiest details from this year’s bridal shows.
Colours
The classic red was a predominant colour in all collections this year. And if red is the colour you’re looking for, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Red appeared in so many beautiful shades – dark cherry reds, bright scarlets, orange reds etc.
Seen in the picture: Anjalee and Arjun Kapoor at India Bridal Fashion Week 20122
Colour combinations
Both classic as well as unexpected, fresh combinations were also seen on the runways this year. 
Because it’s winter, deep colours like maroon, burgundy, rusty oranges, purples, navy and bottle green make for a great palette.
Seen in the picture is a Neeta Lulla creation at Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive, 2012.
White
White is a great colour for a bride, and it shone in its pristine glory on the runways. Embellished with silver or gold embroidery, it looks stunning. Off whites and ivories were the popular choice.
Nudes, along with whites, were also seen with coloured trimmings in the shows of major designers this year. Seen in the picture on the left is a creation by Payal Singhal at the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012.
The silhouette
The anarkali is still dominating the ethnic silhouette in the form of statuesque full-length dresses. 
Another silhouette that’s become a rage is the lehenga sari. The ensemble comprises of the typical lehenga, blouse and dupatta. But instead of draping the dupatta as you usually would with a lehenga, it’s draped like a sari – a great marriage, without the fuss of having to drape the nine-yard sari.
Seen in the picture on the right is an anarkali from the collection of Shyamal & Bhumika Shodhan at Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012.
Fabric
Velvet is a huge trend this season, and it’s also very practical for the winters. The texture and rich shades of the fabric lend a regal touch to the ensemble.
Sheer fabrics like net, chiffon, georgette etc., look stunning in contrast to the rich velvet.
Brocades were also a popular choice with the some of the designers.
But what really stood out in the designs was the wonderful play of contrasting fabrics- heavy with light, stiff with flowy, thick with sheer.
Seen in the picture on the left is a velvet creation from the collection showed by Shyamal & Bhumika at Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012.
Embroidery
The work that goes into embellishing, is what makes the bridal ensemble. And it requires the very best. It’s all about intricate, 
handmade embroidery and this season showcased an endless variety. Gota work, kundan, zardosi, zari were all there in gorgeous, unique designs as were embellishments with sequins, pearls and crystals.
Seen in the picture on the right is a creation from the collection of Meera and Muzaffar Ali at the India Bridal Fashion Week 2012.